The moment you leave work, you can feel the tension building. There’s so much to do today, and you still have plenty of concern about what didn’t get done at work. Administrative assistants are always on the go, planning and getting projects done. But that time, from walking out the door until you pull into your driveway at home requires de-stressing. To create a better work-life balance, make sure you put in place a few minutes of de-stressing. That’s an active process that helps center your mind and calm your heart rate. Consider a few simple things you can do in just two minutes to create more of the work-life balance you need.
Close your eyes and scan your body
Closing your eyes as you sit down, scan your body, focusing on your feet and moving up your body slowly. As you focus on a specific area, force those muscles in that area to relax. Feel your calves loosen, your hips, and up to your shoulders. That creates a mind-body connection that will aid in relaxation. You can do this anywhere at any time.
Two-minute meditative moments
Another strategy is to meditate. You don’t need a lot of time to create improvement in your focus. No matter where you are sitting right now, simply bring your attention to your breathing. Breathe in and out, extending as you exhale with each breath. If thoughts come to mind, do not push them away but let them wash over you. As you work through this process, you’ll feel significant relief come across your body.
Practice gratitude
When everything is piling on your shoulders, it may seem like practicing gratitude is the last thing you have time to do. However, it’s exactly what you need. Take a few minutes to think only about the things you are grateful for – not what you have to do, accomplish, or deal with, but what you’re grateful for. That could be your job, your family, or the home you have. It may be the beautiful day, the sound of the birds, or the wagging tail of a pet as you walk in the door. Just focus on the good.
Express yourself
One of the most important parts of de-stressing is to help your mind and body clear tension. Yet, what you don’t want to do is lock those feelings of frustration or anxiousness away. Let them out. Sometimes, expressing your emotions after a bad day (or even a really great day) can help you feel better in just a few minutes. That may mean you need to tell someone what happened or what’s on your mind. You may be better at journaling. Perhaps even record yourself in a video diary.
By practicing a few key ways to de-stress on a routine basis, you’ll build a better work-life balance. That break between work and the rest of your life is the perfect time to practice any of these methods. However, you can always engage in these activities at any time of the day when you need that short break.